The Hawaii baseball team found their winning ways again with a dominant 10-1 victory over crosstown rival Hawaii Pacific. The Rainbow Warriors, coming off a tough series sweep against UC Irvine, were eager to bounce back and did so in impressive fashion.
Head coach Rich Hill opted for a staff game, utilizing nine pitchers who each threw an inning to prepare for the upcoming Big West road trip. Harrison Bodendorf earned his first win of the season as the opener, setting the tone for the rest of the pitching staff.
Jake Tsukada stepped up in the absence of Austin Machado, delivering a stellar performance at the plate with a home run and three RBIs. Leadoff hitter Jordan Donahue also had a standout game, going 3-for-4 to raise his average to .398.
Despite the loss, Hawaii Pacific coach Dane Fujinaka praised his team’s effort and looked forward to the matchup against a quality opponent like UH. The Sharks managed to score a run on a squeeze play but struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities throughout the game.
Overall, the mid-week win was a confidence booster for the Rainbow Warriors as they gear up for a crucial Big West series against UC Davis. The team showcased their depth and resilience, proving that they are capable of competing at a high level.
The game also served as an audition for some players to make the travel roster for the upcoming road trip, with Hill highlighting the strong performance of pitcher Cory Ronan. With more challenging matchups on the horizon, the Rainbow Warriors are focused on maintaining their winning momentum and making a statement in the Big West conference.